Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer spoke about the cancellation of Taylor Swift's upcoming concerts in Vienna, which were scheduled to begin today. The three shows, scheduled for August 8-10, were canceled after the arrest of two men on Wednesday who authorities say were planning to carry out terrorist attacks at multiple locations in the city.
“The cancellation of Taylor Swift's concerts by the organizers is a bitter disappointment for all fans in Austria,” Nehammer wrote on the X website, via translation. “The situation surrounding the apparently planned terrorist attack in Vienna was extremely serious. Thanks to the intensive cooperation of our police and the newly established national security service with foreign services, the threat was identified early, combated and a tragedy prevented. Many thanks to the emergency services who are currently investigating at full speed.”
“We live in a time when violent means are used to attack our Western way of life. Islamic terrorism threatens security and freedom in many Western countries. That is precisely why we will not abandon our values such as freedom and democracy, but will defend them even more strongly,” he continued.
The official ticketing agency announced the cancellation of the concert, writing: “With government officials confirming a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for the safety of everyone. All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 days.”
Initially, it was reported that the shows would go on as planned with increased security measures. Police officials said that the “tangible danger has been reduced,” according to NBC NewsDetails are still emerging about the threat, which was covered extensively at a press conference held by Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf and Police Chief Gerhard Borstel.
The chemicals were discovered after authorities detained a 19-year-old man who allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS after being radicalized online. The other man arrested is also said to have been loyal to the terror group. According to Roof, the materials recovered from the 19-year-old are currently being evaluated, likely to determine whether they are intended for use in bomb-making.
The Ernst Happel Stadium holds more than 50,000 people. Swift's three shows this week have sold out. She currently has five shows scheduled at London's Wembley Stadium starting next week, before returning to North America in November and December for the final leg of her Eras Tour.
The singer has yet to comment on the cancellation, though multiple outlets have pointed to a 2019 interview with him. deer Swift has spoken openly about her concerns about performing live after the attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in 2017.
In an essay about her life lessons before turning 30, Swift admitted to her “biggest fear.” She said, “After the Manchester Arena bombing and the Las Vegas concert shooting, I was absolutely terrified to go on tour this time because I didn’t know how we were going to keep 3 million fans safe over the course of seven months. There was an enormous amount of planning, expense and effort that went into keeping my fans safe.”
“My fear of violence has continued into my personal life,” she continued. “I carry a QuikClot military bandage, which is meant for gunshot or stab wounds. Websites and tabloids have taken it upon themselves to publish my every home address online. You get enough stalkers trying to break into your home and you start preparing for bad things. I try every day to remind myself of the good in the world, the love I have witnessed and the faith I have in humanity. We have to live bravely to truly feel alive, and that means not being controlled by our greatest fears.”
